The Town of Estes Park has refined its snow removal program to efficiently clear approximately 57 miles of streets, 12.5 miles of sidewalks, 12 miles of trails and 15 parking lots across Town. The snow removal team consists of just 14 employees; another 15 serve as reserve drivers. The team consists of employees from Public Works and several other Town departments.

State-managed highways U.S. 34, U.S. 36 and CO Highway 7 are plowed by the Colorado Department of Transportation, including Elkhorn and Moraine Avenues. All other streets in Town limits are plowed by the Town’s team, which is called to action when there is sufficient snowfall or icy conditions. Plowing along emergency routes typically begins between 4 and 7 a.m. Drivers make a first pass along each route, which takes approximately five hours, and then make additional passes as needed. If snowfall ends, plows generally stop running by 3:30 p.m.

Emergency routes are the first priorities for plow drivers. These include access streets to hospitals and schools, downtown streets including MacGregor Avenue, Big Horn Drive and Riverside Drive, as well as Peak View Drive, Scott Avenue and any other streets that must remain accessible for a police or fire emergency. When plows begin clearing snow, any vehicles parked along designated snow routes will be towed at the owner’s expense; signs are posted along these routes.

While many communities do not plow residential streets or prioritize them last, the Town of Estes Park plows approximately 225 residential streets within Town limits after emergency routes are clear. Plows must push snow to the roadway edge, which may cause a ridge of snow to be deposited at private driveways. The Town’s snow removal team cannot clear private driveways. Residents who are unable to clear their own driveways are encouraged to contact local private contractors who provide this service.

Downtown business owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks in front of their businesses. By law, snow removed from any sidewalk or driveway may not be deposited into the roadway. This can create dangerous conditions for drivers.

The Town encourages motorists to drive safely and use their vehicle’s headlights during winter weather conditions. Plow drivers appreciate the cooperation of motorists as plows are less maneuverable than other vehicles. For more information, please contact the Town of Estes Park Public Works Department at 970-577-3588. To receive Town news in your e-mail inbox, please e-mail townadmin@estes.org.